Raviv was ecstatic when he received his Lily & Tucker “Danny” backpack. We’ve long waited for an opportunity for him to use it, because school was still out.

And then when Randy announced we were going to Dinosaurs Island in Clarkfield and stay there overnight, I knew we didn’t have to wait for school to use it.

I stuffed Raviv’s things in his Lily & Tucker Danny bag. This is supposed to be a school bag, but it’s roomy and sturdy enough as a “weekend bag” for kids’ stuff.

Let me share with you what I put in Raviv’s Danny bag during our overnight stay in Clark. These are what I consider as “toddler’s essentials” when traveling.

So what exactly are these?

Let’s begin with what are inside Raviv’s Disney toiletries pouch, which you may want to include in your checklist:

Happy Cheeks Toilet Seat Cover – This isn’t too common; so when you see one, buy! It’s not heavy and very useful. On our last day at Clark, Raviv ate so much pizza that after his meal, he announced, “‘Nay, pupu.” We had no choice but to go to the public toilet. Since kids can’t really squat while pooping, it’s important that the toilet seat they sit on is clean. I cringe at the thought that other people’s pee and/or pupu drippings touch Raviv’s legs while he is seated! Thank God for the handy toilet seat cover!

Comb – This is just a “free sa hotel” comb. Since Raviv’s hair is short, shiny and tangle free, the most ordinary comb will do. I bring this comb for when he wakes up with bad hair.

Baby First Kiddie Wipes – I buy wipes especially formulated for kids. This way, I know it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that would burn Raviv’s sensitive skin. Wipes are important when cleaning Raviv’s face and hands pronto, and of course I use this when he poops in a public toilet. Even when there’s a bidet, I wanna make sure “walang tira”. Hehe

Johnson’s Baby Top-to-toe Wash – this is always in Raviv’s travel bag because it is a shampoo and body wash in one. I tried using other body washes on Raviv’s hair, but they just left Raviv’s hair stiff and dry. But not this. Smells good, too!

Colgate Electric Toothbrush – Randy and I are fans of this. First, Raviv likes brushing using an electric toothbrush. I guess he feels “high-tech”. Second, electric toothbrushes are perfect for kids because it cleans thoroughly. One second on a tooth, ang linis na! But since it doesn’t have a case, I put it inside a clean plastic (remember, your child puts this in his mouth!). I also wait for the toothbrush to air dry before putting it back in, as bacteria multiply in a damp/wet environment.

Lactacyd Toddlertubs Splash – I had second thoughts bringing this, because I already have #4. But what makes this irresistible is that it keeps Raviv smelling fresh all day long. Promise. Raviv is a very active boy, and with this weather, sweat is inevitable. But smelling like sweat can be avoided, thanks to Lactacyd. So I brought this. Tutal, it’s handy and light. (Confession: I use this, too! ;))

Johnson’s Baby Powder – This is another must, because it gives instant relief to itch and lagkit. When Raviv gets sweaty, he would pester me—anywhere and anytime—to scratch his back. With this, my hands get relief, too! Moreover, I’m malagkitin—I salso use this on my neck all the time.

Johnson’s Baby Lotion – Hindi naman halatang fan ako ng Johnson’s ‘di ba? Hehe. Since Raviv was going swimming, this was also necessary. Being soaked in water for a long time removes moisture from our skin, resulting to dry skin. So right after rinsing, lotion is a must to seal in whatever “water” was left on our skin. Moreover, Raviv was wearing shorts. I really don’t like it when kids’ legs are dry—alam n’yo yung may white mark ‘pag nagasgasan because of dryness? Sorry, but when I see a kid like that feeling ko pinabayaan ng parents n’ya. So I make it a point to put lotion on Raviv. Especially on his knees because his knees tend to get rough (at sabi ni Randy, “Anong gusto mo parang tuhod ng beauty queen ang tuhod ni Raviv?”) And I love Johnson’s Baby Lotion, this variant in particular. In fact when I was preggers, I would bring a bottle of this everywhere I go because this was all I wanted to smell. I love how mild and clean it smells. And of course, because it’s not greasy. Among all the lotions out there, this is what I use until now.

Guard Insect Repellent (or Anti-Mosquito Stickers) – On one hand, I prefer mosquito repelling stickers because I feel like mosquito repelling lotions are harsh on Raviv’s skin. Feeling ko malagkit pati. However, stickers tend to get wasted. Like when Raviv’s yaya opens a packet and misplaces it, wala na. And then often, the odor the stickers emit is too strong. So there are times I use insect repellant lotion na rin. But I make sure that it is DEET-free. So far, I find Guard to be the most gentle yet effective. Others kasi are just Citronella—yes gentle but not that effective. Guard is the most perfectly balanced I’ve tried so far. I used to hoard these, because they aren’t as common as Off Lotion and only select supermarkets carry this product.

Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Lotion – This is another must. Let’s remember that a kid’s skin is really sensitive. And we don’t want them to cry out of pain because of sunburn, right? I choose this brand because according to its label, it has high SPF, it is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, and it is VERY water-resistant. And yes, this is cheaper than the more mainstream brands. The thing with sunblock kasi is that it doesn’t last forever. When you open it, you need to discard it few months later. So hindi sulit if you buy the expensive ones just for one outing thinking you’ll use it again for the outing in the next years.

Human Nature All Natural Spray Sanitizer – Of course not all places are equipped with soap and water to wash hands. Rubbing alcohols are too harsh for children’s skin, IMHO. I like Human Nature because aside from that it’s sariling atin, I believe that it’s really safe and gentle, yet effective in cleaning. That the design is quirky doesn’t hurt, either.

Aquafresh Kids toothpaste – I really like this toothpaste’s container. No need to squeeze—just press the button and voila, toothpaste is there! I’m also fond of its very mild minty flavor (as opposed to other toothpastes that are just fruity) that Raviv likes.

Aside from the toiletries, Raviv’s Lily & Tucker Danny bag also has his extra clothes, together with his swimming outfit.

TIP: When it comes to buying a swimming outfit: Get a suit that is really big. Like this Spider-man suit—Raviv is only 4, yet this for a kid 6-7 years old. Why? Para sulit. It clings to the skin when wet anyway, so hindi na halatang malaki. Plus, Raviv doesn’t use this too often, so sayang naman if next year this doesn’t fit him anymore, right?

Anyway, back to the packing. To make the bag light, his extra clothes are just basic ones: cotton T-shirt, shorts, and briefs/boxers. No jeans, because they’re heavy; and no polo, because it easily wrinkles.

ANOTHER TIP: When packing extra clothes, roll a set together so that it’s easy to get. Like this:

It’s a good thing this Lily & Tucker Danny bag has a separate compartment that is just the right size. Raviv’s snack for this long travel can be easily reached!

And of course, water! Due to this very hot weather, he drinks his water very often. Good that again, this bag has bottle holders. Not just one, but two! It is so easy to get and return his water container!

Andaming laman, ‘di ba? But honestly, his Lily & Tucker Danny bag still had a lot of room. I could have put a lot more in this bag. When Raviv wore it on his back (even with everything inside), he did not complain that it was hurting his shoulders. I think credit goes to the cushioning of the bag.

The padding at the back and under the shoulder strap make this bag comfy. And the netted cover allows air to circulate. And I love that the back straps could be locked!

Thank you Lily & Tucker for being a part of Raviv’s excitement during his trip to Dinosaurs Island!

*****

To see more wonderful designs of Lily & Tucker bags, follow them on Instagram: @lilyandtuckerph and Like them on Facebook.Lily & Tucker bags are currently available in leading SM department stores near you!

SM Megamall

SM Makati

SM Mall of Asia

SM North EDSA

SM Fairview

SM Sta. Rosa

SM Pampanga

SM Cebu

Look for Lily and Tucker products in the Children’s Accessories Department.

If you are far from any of these SM branches, you may contact 09175485614 for orders.

Comments

I am a big fan of the J&J baby lotion pink. Been using it all my life. Hehehe! And I love the bag. Hindi mukhang bulky kahit ang daming laman.Celerhina Aubrey ★ recently posted..✔ How To Prevent Infant UTI